1.Causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Qian ZOU ; Ni TANG ; Huanhui LIU ; Hanjing ZHANG ; Xiaojie MA
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):123-130
BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders, including elevated diastolic or systolic blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, hypercholesterolemia, abdominal obesity and so on. As an important component of MetS, the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and mental disorder has been extensively reported, whereas few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted to identify the causal role of mental disorders in hypercholesterolemia. ObjectiveTo explore the potential causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method. MethodsSummary data from GWAS were analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with mental disorders were chosen as instrumental variables, and hypercholesterolemia was used as outcome variable. MR analysis utilized inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression and weighted median estimation (WME) as the primary analytical tool, and supplemented by simple mode (SM) and weighted mode (WM). The causal relationship between mental disorders and the risk of hypercholesterolemia was illustrated in terms of odds ratio (OR). ResultsA total of 36 SNPs associated with mental disorders were identified as instrumental variables. The primary findings from IVW revealed existence of a causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia (IVW: OR=1.067, 95% CI: 1.026~1.109, P=0.001). Findings from the additional methods (MR-Egger regression, WME, SM, WM) were basically consistent with those reported in IVW method. Further verification indicated that the causal relationship between mental disorders and the risk of hypercholesterolemia was not affected by genetic polymorphism (P>0.05). The absence of heterogeneity was confirmed through Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger regression (P>0.05). Furthermore, no causal association in the reverse direction was found (P>0.05). ConclusionThere is a causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia, and patients with mental disorders may have an increased probability of suffering from hypercholesterolemia.
2.Feiyanning Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating EMT via TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Xiaojie FU ; Jia YANG ; Kaile LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhongqi WANG ; Haibin DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):110-120
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the anti-cancer compound formula Feiyanning in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsCell proliferation and activity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of Feiyanning on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine Feiyanning's impact on the metastasis of A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on EMT and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway proteins in A549 and H1299 cells were detected by Western blot. Exogenous TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on TGF-β1-induced NSCLC cell metastasis, EMT, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway proteins were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo, an A549 lung metastasis model was established via tail vein injection in nude mice. A total of 28 SPF male nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (NC) group, Feiyanning low-dose (FYN1) group, Feiyanning high-dose (FYN2) group, and the positive control group (TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 group). The corresponding interventions were performed. After 40 days, the mice were euthanized, and lung metastases were analyzed. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter Feiyanning intervention, compared to the blank group, Feiyanning inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). The metastasis ability of Feiyanning-treated cells was significantly decreased compared to the blank group (P<0.01). The expression of EMT marker proteins N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug) was significantly reduced in the Feiyanning groups compared to the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ, key proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, was also significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the TGF-β1-induced EMT model, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the cell metastasis ability in the Feiyanning groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the expression levels of N-cadherin, Zeb1, Snail, and Slug were significantly lower (P<0.01). The expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). In vivo results showed that compared to the model group, the number of lung metastases in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the range of cell infiltration was narrowed. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared to the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was increased (P<0.01), the expression of N-cadherin decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionFeiyanning inhibits the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells and EMT. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
3.Feiyanning Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating EMT via TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Xiaojie FU ; Jia YANG ; Kaile LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhongqi WANG ; Haibin DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):110-120
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the anti-cancer compound formula Feiyanning in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsCell proliferation and activity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of Feiyanning on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine Feiyanning's impact on the metastasis of A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on EMT and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway proteins in A549 and H1299 cells were detected by Western blot. Exogenous TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on TGF-β1-induced NSCLC cell metastasis, EMT, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway proteins were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo, an A549 lung metastasis model was established via tail vein injection in nude mice. A total of 28 SPF male nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (NC) group, Feiyanning low-dose (FYN1) group, Feiyanning high-dose (FYN2) group, and the positive control group (TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 group). The corresponding interventions were performed. After 40 days, the mice were euthanized, and lung metastases were analyzed. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter Feiyanning intervention, compared to the blank group, Feiyanning inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). The metastasis ability of Feiyanning-treated cells was significantly decreased compared to the blank group (P<0.01). The expression of EMT marker proteins N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug) was significantly reduced in the Feiyanning groups compared to the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ, key proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, was also significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the TGF-β1-induced EMT model, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the cell metastasis ability in the Feiyanning groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the expression levels of N-cadherin, Zeb1, Snail, and Slug were significantly lower (P<0.01). The expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). In vivo results showed that compared to the model group, the number of lung metastases in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the range of cell infiltration was narrowed. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared to the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was increased (P<0.01), the expression of N-cadherin decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionFeiyanning inhibits the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells and EMT. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
4.Mechanism and Combination Therapy of Berberine in Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty liver Disease:A Review
Xiaojie WANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):269-281
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Because of its complex pathogenesis, high clinical prevalence and large population, it poses a great threat and challenge to public health in the world. Therefore, active intervention measures are needed. Currently, western medicine is effective in reducing weight, reducing liver fat content, improving glucose-lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. However, for patients with NAFLD-related fibrosis and cirrhosis, there is still a lack of sufficient histological evidence to support its benefits, and randomized controlled trials are still needed to clarify. Lifestyle intervention is an important cornerstone for the treatment of NAFLD, but there are many problems such as poor implementation and low compliance of patients, and the clinical efficacy is not ideal. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has the significant advantages of multiple pathways and multiple targets. Berberine, the active ingredient of TCM, can interfere with the production of NAFLD from multiple pathways, including increasing energy consumption, weight loss, improving glucose-lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, regulating intestinal flora, restoring bile acid homeostasis, anti-fibrosis and so on, which can play a positive role in the treatment of NAFLD. At the same time, it was found that the combination of BBR with Chinese and western medicines had significant advantages in promoting drug absorption, improving oral bioavailability, increasing the highest biological distribution in the liver, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect of NAFLD, and reducing adverse drug reactions, which could provide reference for clinical medication.
5.Change Law in Material Basis of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma During Nine-time Repeating Steaming and Sun-drying Processing Based on Characteristic Chromatogram and Chemometrics
Xuan AO ; Taotao LIU ; Miao YU ; Lan WANG ; Xiaojie YIN ; Jingyu ZUO ; Li LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):191-198
ObjectiveTo characterize the changes in the overall chemical profile and key index components during nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying processing of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and to reveal the change law of its material basis. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to analyze the changes in the overall chemical profile of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction pieces, and the contents of 15 main active components such as chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, chrysophanol and gallic acid in the process of nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying were determined. Combined with chemometrics, the contents and quantity ratio relationships of the glycosides, aglycones and tannins during the processing of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were analyzed, and the partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and cluster analysis of the main components in different steaming times were conducted, the statistically significant differential markers were selected with the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. ResultsIn the nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying process of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, there were certain regularity in the number and peak area of characteristic peaks and the steaming and sun-drying times, the anthraquinone glycosides and aglycones could be roughly divided into three stages, including rapid change stage, fluctuation change stage and stable stage, and the total amount of tannins showed a decreasing trend. However, the ratios between the three components mentioned above tended to stabilize after five rounds of steaming and sun-drying. The results of PLS-DA and cluster heatmap showed that the content of each component in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma fluctuated greatly during the 1-4 steaming and sun-drying processes, while the content of each component was relatively close during the 5-9 steaming and sun-drying processes. After screening, it was found that chrysophanol, emodin, chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, rhein, physcion and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside could be used as the index components for distinguishing the processed products of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma with different steaming and sun-drying times. ConclusionThe changes in the properties and efficacy of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma caused by the processing of nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying are due to the changes in the composition and ratio of various glycosides and complex tannins in this herb, which is also the key to the formation of its characteristic of "purgation with supplement". This study can provide a basis for the research on the processing mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and the establishment of processing specifications.
6.Study on relationships of MS4A1 gene polymorphism with blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Feng SHI ; Tao LIU ; He HUANG ; Caifu FANG ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Zhang ZHANG ; Zhao WANG ; Xiaojie FANG ; Zhuojia CHEN ; Shu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1641-1647
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of CD20 coding gene (MS4A1) polymorphism on the blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted on 160 newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients who received the R-CHOP regimen at the Sun Yat Sen University Cancer Center from January 2016 to December 2020, with a minimum follow-up period of approximately 5 years. The blood concentration of rituximab was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MS4A1 tagSNPs were selected by Haploview4.2 software, including rs1051461, rs17155034, rs4939364, and rs10501385. The genotype of MS4A1 was detected by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Univariate linear regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between various factors(demographic, clinical, and genotypic variables) in patients and the steady-state trough concentration of rituximab during the first course of treatment, followed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Using MS4A1 genotype and tumor stage as independent variables, Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the factors influencing patient prognosis. RESULTS The blood concentration of rituximab in MS4A1 rs10501385 CC carriers was 15.20 μg/mL,which was significantly lower than 21.95 μg/mL in AA+AC carriers (P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression model incorporating tumor stage and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism explained 7.3% of the interindividual variability in rituximab concentrations. Compared with MS4A1 rs1051461 CC carriers, CT+TT carriers had significantly prolonged PFS and OS (P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the MS4A1 rs1051461 CC genotype (HR=4.406, 95%CI:1.743-11.137, P<0.05) and tumor Ⅲ&Ⅳ (HR=3.233, 95%CI: 1.413-7.399, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for PFS. CONCLUSIONS The tumor staging and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism are key influencing factors for blood concentration of rituximab, and MS4A1 rs1051461 polymorphism significantly affects PFS in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.
7.Key Challenges and Mitigation Strategies for Animal Pregnancy in Non-clinical Reproductive Toxicity Testing of Drugs
Kun LIU ; Qing LAN ; Bing YI ; Xiaojie XIE
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):449-456
Non-clinical reproductive toxicity studies typically employ mammals like rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys, with animal pregnancy being a key challenge in such testing. This article focuses on the difficulties encountered in the animal pregnancy process and potential countermeasures. Rats can be used for fertility and early embryonic development toxicity studies (Segment Ⅰ), embryo-fetal development toxicity studies (Segment Ⅱ), and perinatal toxicity studies (Segment Ⅲ). The estrous cycle of female rats can be determined by vaginal smear, and mating behavior is confirmed through copulatory plug checks the following day after pairing one female with one male in the same cage. Rabbits are commonly used in embryo-fetal development toxicity studies (Segment Ⅱ). Mating behavior between male rabbits and estrous females is observed to determine the time of conception. However, challenges such as atypical estrus of female rabbits, large variations in estrus between batches, and mating failure often occur in reproductive toxicity testing, which may be addressed through prolonged light exposure, increased protein supplementation, optimized mating strategies, and environmental modifications like female and male rabbits are raised adjacent to each other. Non-human primates (NHPs) are typically employed in perinatal toxicity studies (Segment Ⅲ), where one of the key challenges lies in accurately determining sexual maturity in males - a critical factor for reproductive toxicity testing, which can be assessed through comprehensive evaluation of age, body weight, and testicular volume. Generally, male macaques are considered sexually mature when they meet the following criteria: age >4.5 years, body weight >4.5 kg, single testis volume >10 mL, and combined testicular volume >20 mL. For pregnancy confirmation, ultrasound examination demonstrating visible gestational sacs is required, though this necessitates experienced veterinary clinicians to establish standardized ultrasound examination protocols. In conclusion, reproductive toxicity studies should employ species-appropriate detection methods and evaluation criteria based on anatomical characteristics of the reproductive system to ensure successful mating and proper study execution.
8.Mental health service utilization of patients with five mental disorders in Inner Mongolia communities
Yinxia BAI ; Lu TONG ; Zhaorui LIU ; Jie YAN ; Ruiqi WANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Hua DING ; Lixia CHEN ; Jiahui YAO ; Xiaojuan GAO ; Dongsheng LYU ; Zhijian BAI ; Ziyu LI ; Xiaojie SUI ; Yueqin HUANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(5):419-425
Objective:To describe the current situation of mental health service utilization of community pa-tients with five mental disorders in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and provide reference for health education and formulating relevant policies.Methods:The multistage stratified sampling method with unequal probability was used to select a total of 12 315 community residents aged 18 and over in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.Using Composite International Diagnostic Interview,mood disorders,anxiety disorders,substance use disorders,intermit-tent explosive disorders,and eating disorders,and health service utilization were investigated.Descriptive statistics was completed by single factor analysis method.Results:The lifetime rates of consultation and treatment of any mental disorder were 18.7%and 10.2%,respectively.The highest proportion of patients received treatment by non-medical professionals was 31.4%,followed by psychiatrists in psychiatric hospital or psychologists in general hospitals.Among the patients,1.1%of them received medication,and 2.5%received psychotherapy.Conclusion:The utilization rate of mental health services in community patients with five mental disorders is relatively low.It is necessary to conduct health education for medical help seeking properly.
9.Changes in the protein expression profiles of glomeruli during the treatment of lupus nephritis with hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Yanqiu LI ; Haichao WANG ; Xiaojie ZHENG ; Xiaodan LIU ; Xue LIU ; Shuyan TIAN ; Li YAO
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(5):401-404,413
Objective To screen the differentially expressed proteins in glomeruli during the treatment of lupus nephritis(LN)with hydroxychloroquine sulfate(HCQ).Methods Sixty female NZB/WF1 mice were used.At the age of 28 weeks,40 mice with proteinuria of 3+to 4+were divided into HCQ and control groups.After feeding for 36 weeks,the glomerular proteins were extracted by magnetic beads and analyzed by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis(2D-DIGE)and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ioniza-tion time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF-MS).The expression of the candidate proteins in the glomeruli of the LN mice was exa-mined by immunohistochemistry.Results A total of 31 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the two groups,including 24 upregulated and seven downregulated proteins.Conclusion The expression of proteins like RI and ENOA in the glomeruli of LN mice was significantly different during HCQ treatment.These proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of LN and are therefore potential targets of HCQ in the treatment of LN.
10.Development of a working model of evidence-based nursing practice in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis
Yu WANY ; Yufang HAO ; Yufen MA ; Yuan XU ; Ranxun AN ; Haibo DENG ; Lei WANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Jia LIU ; Liyun ZHU ; Xinjuan WU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(15):1804-1811
Objective To construct an evidence-based practice model for nurses in preventing deep vein thrombosis(DVT)and provide a scientific and targeted theoretical basis for nurses to carry out evidence-based nursing practice in DVT prevention.Methods Based on the previous evidence-based nursing practice project on DVT prevention after hip and knee arthroplasty,the research team used theoretical analysis and brainstorming to develop a draft of the work model.Expert meetings were organized to validate the content of the draft using the Delphi method,leading to the finalization of the evidence-based practice model for nurses in preventing DVT.Results The Knowledge-to-Action(KTA)framework was selected as the basic framework for constructing the evidence-based nursing practice model for preventing DVT.Theoretical Domain Framework,Theory of Planned Behavior,and Social Cognitive Theory were chosen to explore the influencing factors of nurses'behavior change in preventing DVT through evidence-based practice.The authority coefficient of the participating experts was 0.904,indicating high reliability.The final model consisted of 6 key components:knowledge generation,problem identification,localization and adaptation,knowledge application,sustained knowledge use,and conceptual framework for behavior change through evidence-based practice.Conclusion Based on theoretical analysis and clinical practice,this study developed an evidence-based practice model for nurses in preventing DVT using the expert meeting.The research methodology was scientific,and the content was reliable,providing a theoretical basis for nurses to engage in evidence-based nursing practice for DVT prevention.

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